Week 15: Thursday Night Pick

As Mark McGwire deftly said to Congress a few years back…I’m not here to talk about the past. Referring to last week and my horrendous picks as “the past,” I have moved on. I’ll post the rest of the weekend’s game tonight or tomorrow. As for now, here’s the pick for tonight’s game.

Jacksonville (+3) over Indianapolis

The Colts have won 22 straight regular season games, are 13-0 this season, and have clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. What, exactly, do they have to play for? Sure the starters will play in this game, but finishing 16-0 isn’t a stated goal of the organization. The Colts aim to win the Super Bowl. If players get nicked up during this game, the Colts won’t risk blowing their shot at a title just to have them return in this game to help preserve an undefeated season.

With that in mind, the Jaguars are the pick here. Jacksonville is in a tight race for a wildcard berth. They’re at home, their stadium is sold out for the first time this season, and they should be hungry and motivated to earn a win tonight to strengthen their chances to reach the playoffs.

Jaguars 20, Colts 17